FORESTERS MEET

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23339, 6 May 1939, Page 15

FORESTERS MEET

AUCKLAND DISTRICT SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEME EFFECTS ON THE SOCIETIES \ The 65th annual meeting of the Auckland District Ancient Order of Foresters was opened last night in the Foresters' Hall, Albert Street, and was attended by between SO and 90 delegates representing all branches in the district as far south as Taumarunui. The delegates were welcomed by the district chief ranger, Mr. X. G. Swanson, who referred in his address to the steady improvement experienced during the year.

In speaking of the Social Security Act, Mr. Swanson said it had to be admitted that the measure had had a very disturbing effect on the friendly society movement, which at present was in probably one of the most critical periods of its existence. "The hope that friendly society machinery would be used in the administration of benefits is apparently not to be realised to the extent that we would have liked, but I would urge

members not to view this with any degree of alarm," Mr. Swanson said. "I am still firm in the opinion that an avpnue remains open by which our organisation can be used in the administration of the Act and I hope that it will be disclosed by our discussions." Routine business occupied the delegates last night. To-day there will be the election and installation of officers, the council to be elected consisting of the district chief ranger, tlie district sub-chief ranger, secretary, treasurer and five councillors.